''Heh heh heh! A pretty girl like you'll fetch a pretty penny for me! Now, be a good girl and come to papa. What did you say? That better not have been an insult, you... huh!?""No matter the manner of man, the goddess judges with an even hand."
- A Bandit in conversation with Micaiah.

Dawn Brigade, a group determined to fight on behalf of Daein's declining status, is on the run from Begnion's rule after the Mad King's War, which ended in Daein's ruin. Sothe, a kid thief from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, has now grown up and created a renegade group of initially five who fight for Daein's liberty from the oppressive Begnion.

Edward, a myrmidon in the Dawn Brigade, speaks with Micaiah, the leader known as the "Silver-Haired Maiden". They are waiting for another Dawn Brigade member, archer and close friend, Leonardo. Edward claims that Leonardo is never late and teases Micaiah to use her farsight, an ability Micaiah mysteriously acquires in which she can foresee the future. Micaiah claims that this ability is something she cannot control, however, but occurs outside of her control.

As the two wait for Leonardo, a Lady appears and announces that bandits are attacking the town, screaming, "Who knows what the brutes will do if they catch you!"

Micaiah wants to know where the Imperial Occupation Army, the Begnion army assigned to protect Daein , is and how they expect Daein to remain peaceful without order. The Lady replies that the Begnion army "don't care a lick about us!" and shows the player insights on Daein's perspective of the war's outcome, a new perspective versus Path of Radiance's.

Micaiah and Edward decide to go against the Brigade's orders and defend the town. Their exposure may warrant Begnion attention and get them caught, but Micaiah pleads that if they get rid of the bandits quickly, they won't be seen. Edward agrees and they attack the bandits who are ransacking the town for all that it has. Leonardo arrives just after the fight begins and assists in taking the bandits out.

Upon defeating the bandits, the Lady and her son, Nico, will introduce themselves and thank you. Begnion soldiers arrive on the spot and demand the Dawn Brigade to stop, forcing them to flee. General Jarod of Begnion arrives after their flee and punishes the Begnion soldiers who let them escape.

Being the prologue, this chapter is extremely easy. Edward normally doesn't suffice as a 'tank' unit, but being so early on and with no other units except Micaiah and Leonardo, long range units, he is essential to protecting the other two. Place him in strategic spots to block the pathways and, in doing so, protect the others. Move quickly if you'd like to receive the extra bonus experience, being sure to use herbs or vulneraries when needed. Micaiah can also be moved strategically, assuring she will not get hit, and be free to use Sacrifice in substitute of an item. Edward will only take about four hit points, however, and can take a beating from a few bandits given he doesn't evade them.

Depending on who you would like to use later on in the story, be sure to grant them experience. Micaiah can have trouble with experience later on in the game, so granting her early experience is a wise move. Leonardo can easily be replaced by a stronger, more experienced archer later and the game and is the most likely to not be useful later down the line. Edward can grow to be an extremely fast and powerful Trueblade and can also use early experience if given to him.

To defeat the boss, it is wise to place Edward on a tile that blocks the boss from getting passed him. With only an Iron Axe, he is unable to attack afar and can be hit by Micaiah or Leonardo without worrying about their hit points. Edward takes a considerable amount of damage, though, so a herb or vulnerary may be necessary for his survival.